Swedish Gang Leader Mikael 'Greken' Tenezos Captured and Extradited from Mexico
Mikael 'Greken' Tenezos, a top Swedish gang leader, was captured and extradited from Mexico amid intensified international police cooperation, but many criminals remain at large abroad.
- • Mikael 'Greken' Tenezos was arrested in Mexico after nearly three years in hiding and extradited to Sweden on a Mexican government-chartered jet.
- • Tenezos led one of Sweden's most violent crime networks remotely from Spain and Mexico, involved in drug trafficking.
- • Swedish police remain concerned with numerous criminals still at large abroad, including Rawa Majid and Ismail Abdo.
- • Over 200 arrests linked to Swedish crime have occurred this year amid strengthened international cooperation.
Key details
Mikael 'Greken' Tenezos, a notorious Swedish gang leader, was apprehended in Mexico after evading capture for nearly three years. Known for orchestrating violent crime remotely during a significant crime wave, Tenezos was extradited to Sweden via a private jet chartered by the Mexican government, landing at Arlanda Airport on Thursday evening. This operation was the result of a new strategic initiative by Swedish police involving high-level international law enforcement cooperation.
Once a hockey player, Tenezos transitioned from sports to leading one of Sweden's most violent crime networks. His criminal activities included managing drug trafficking from Spain and luxury apartments in Cancún, Mexico, until his arrest on a Mexican highway abruptly ended his reign.
Despite this major arrest, Swedish police remain unsatisfied as numerous Swedish criminals still operate abroad. Among them are key figures like Rawa Majid ('Kurdiska räven') and Ismail Abdo ('Jordgubben'), who continue to evade Swedish authorities. Majid is internationally wanted for serious crimes, including murder connected to the Foxtrot network, and was reportedly recruited by Iran in late 2023, while Abdo was arrested in Turkey over the summer and faces ongoing legal proceedings there.
The National Operations Department (Noa) has increased collaboration with foreign law enforcement, with operations conducted in countries including Iraq, Dubai, and Turkey. Over 200 individuals linked to Swedish organized crime have been arrested this year alone, many considered key operatives.
The arrest of Tenezos marks a significant legal milestone, and a comprehensive judicial process is expected. However, police acknowledge the challenge remains extensive with hundreds of Swedish criminals still influencing crime from abroad, underscoring ongoing efforts required for dismantling transnational crime networks.